Chest radiography: consolidation: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Chest radiography: consolidation

Sample item

A chest radiograph shows a right lower-zone opacity containing branching air bronchograms without volume loss. What is the most likely interpretation?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lobar consolidation

Air bronchograms within an alveolar opacity indicate air-filled bronchi surrounded by fluid-filled alveoli, supporting consolidation. Unlike collapse, consolidation usually does not cause major volume-loss signs.

Option by option

  • A. Pleural effusion

    Pleural effusion blunts costophrenic angles and forms a meniscus.

  • B. Pneumothorax

    Pneumothorax causes peripheral lucency without lung markings.

  • C. Lobar consolidation (correct)

    Correct. Air bronchograms without volume loss are typical of consolidation.

  • D. Lobar collapse

    Collapse usually pulls fissures or mediastinum toward the affected lobe.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Lobar consolidation. Air bronchograms within an alveolar opacity indicate air-filled bronchi surrounded by fluid-filled alveoli, supporting consolidation.

Why is "Pleural effusion" not the answer?

Pleural effusion blunts costophrenic angles and forms a meniscus.

Why is "Pneumothorax" not the answer?

Pneumothorax causes peripheral lucency without lung markings.

Why is "Lobar collapse" not the answer?

Collapse usually pulls fissures or mediastinum toward the affected lobe.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest radiography: consolidation in Radiology. Unlike collapse, consolidation usually does not cause major volume-loss signs.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Chest radiography: consolidation?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.